Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide and a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia, where cases are increasingly diagnosed at younger ages and advanced stages. Early detection through screening is essential to improve survival outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and screening practices related to breast cancer among women in Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 411 adult women residing in Hafar Al-Batin using a self-administered electronic questionnaire distributed via social media and healthcare networks. The survey assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and symptoms, and screening practices, including mammography and clinical breast examination. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests applied to examine associations between knowledge, practices, and socio-demographic factors. Results: Most participants (97.8%) had heard about breast cancer, and 79.1% reported receiving health education. However, only 17.5% had ever undergone mammography screening, and 22.1% had received a clinical breast examination. Higher education and a positive family history were significantly associated with better knowledge levels (p < .05). Age, marital status, and employment were significantly linked to mammography screening uptake, with older, married, and employed women more likely to participate. Conclusion: Although awareness of breast cancer was generally high, participation in preventive screening remained low. Targeted health education and outreach programs focusing on younger, unmarried, and unemployed women are needed to enhance early detection and reduce breast cancer mortality in Saudi Arabia.

Key words: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, Screening practices, Mammography, Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia